Pirelli tires are made by Pirelli & C. S.p.A., an Italian tire manufacturer that remains under Italian operational control despite a large Chinese shareholder.
Pirelli is known worldwide as a premium performance tire brand and as the official tire supplier for Formula 1.
Sinochem Holdings, a Chinese state owned enterprise, holds roughly 34 percent of Pirelli, but Italy’s golden power rules and a 2025 board decision confirmed Italian management retains day to day control.
Knowing this ownership split helps explain why Pirelli, despite Chinese investment, still operates as a proudly Italian engineering company.
This guide covers who owns Pirelli, where the tires are manufactured, the company’s history, and how Pirelli compares to Michelin in the premium segment.
So let’s get started.
Quick Answer: Pirelli tires are made by Pirelli & C. S.p.A., an Italian company founded in 1872 by Giovanni Battista Pirelli. Sinochem Holdings, a Chinese state owned firm, holds roughly 34 percent of shares, but Italian management under Marco Tronchetti Provera retained operational control after a 2025 board ruling. Pirelli operates 19 factories across 13 countries, including a plant in Rome, Georgia.
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Who Makes Pirelli Tires and Who Owns the Company?
Pirelli & C. S.p.A. designs and manufactures every tire sold under the Pirelli name, with current lineups shown on the Pirelli US official website.
Sinochem Holdings, a Chinese state owned enterprise, is Pirelli’s largest single shareholder at roughly 34 percent of equity.
In 2023, Italy invoked its golden power rules to review the arrangement, and by April 2025 Pirelli’s board had formally declared that Sinochem no longer controls the company.
Day to day authority rests with Italian executive Marco Tronchetti Provera, whose Camfin holding company controls roughly 23 percent of shares.
Where Are Pirelli Tires Manufactured?
Pirelli operates 19 manufacturing sites across 13 countries, a global footprint documented on Wikipedia’s Pirelli entry.
Pirelli’s oldest international factory sits in Burton on Trent, England, alongside plants across Italy, Brazil, and Mexico.
In the United States, Pirelli operates a plant in Rome, Georgia, which produces premium tires and houses a research and development center.
The Rome facility has taken on added importance for Pirelli’s newer Cyber Tyre technology, which faces added scrutiny under connected vehicle regulations.
What Is the History Behind Pirelli?
Pirelli was founded in Milan in 1872 by Giovanni Battista Pirelli, initially specializing in rubber products.
The company has been listed on the Italian stock exchange since 1922, making it one of Europe’s longest running public tire makers.
In 2015, China’s ChemChina acquired a controlling stake for roughly 7.7 billion dollars, later folding its holding into Sinochem.
Pirelli has served as the exclusive tire supplier for Formula 1 since 2011, cementing its reputation in motorsport.
How Does Pirelli Compare to Michelin Tires?
Pirelli and Michelin both rank among the world’s top premium tire manufacturers, competing closely on performance and original equipment deals.
Pirelli leans heavily into motorsport branding through its Formula 1 partnership, while Michelin emphasizes fuel efficiency and long tread life.
Michelin operates a larger global manufacturing network overall, while Pirelli focuses more narrowly on higher margin performance and luxury segments.
Both brands are frequently specified as original equipment on luxury and sports cars.
Are Pirelli Tires Worth the Price?
Pirelli tires sit firmly in the premium price tier, reflecting the brand’s motorsport pedigree and engineering investment.
The brand is a popular original equipment choice for luxury and sports car manufacturers, which reflects strong performance credentials.
Independent reviewers consistently rate Pirelli’s P Zero and Scorpion lines highly for handling and grip.
For drivers who prioritize sporty handling and are willing to pay a premium price, Pirelli remains a top choice.
Where Can You Buy Pirelli Tires?
Pirelli tires are sold through major retailers, dedicated performance tire shops, and as original equipment on new vehicles.
The Pirelli website includes a dealer locator to help find authorized sellers nearby.
Most online tire retailers also carry Pirelli’s full lineup with local installation options.
Shoppers comparing premium global brands may also want to read Where Are Michelin Tires Made and Who Makes Bridgestone Tires.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pirelli Tires
Is Pirelli owned by China?
China’s Sinochem Holdings owns roughly 34 percent of Pirelli, but Italian management retained operational control after a 2025 board ruling.
Are Pirelli tires made in the USA?
Yes, Pirelli operates a manufacturing and research facility in Rome, Georgia.
Who founded Pirelli?
Pirelli was founded in Milan in 1872 by Giovanni Battista Pirelli.
Is Pirelli a good tire brand?
Yes, Pirelli is widely regarded as a top premium brand, known for its Formula 1 supply deal and strong performance tire lineup.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.